Statement in response to Spending Review 2020

Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our top priority has been keeping our residents safe and supported, continuing to deliver vital services in this very difficult year.

“Like local authorities across the country, we’ve faced huge extra costs in responding to Covid-19, at a time when council income has fallen.

“Earlier this year the Government promised it would do ‘whatever it takes’ to support councils – but the reality is that they have failed to keep their promises and the  Spending Review leaves us with huge pressure on our budget, and the important services local people rely on, and we have hard choices to make.

“A lot of extra funding the Government says councils will get is based on a rise in council tax – so the reality is councils are left to raise council tax or cut services – with local people forced by government to pay for the crisis.

“Despite the ongoing pressures on our budget from Covid-19, and after a decade of central Government cuts to council budgets, we will do everything we can to build a fairer Islington, where everyone has the same chance to reach their potential and enjoy a good quality of life.”